CHICAGO — Jake Arrieta struck out seven in seven innings, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

Arrieta (6-2) allowed one run and three hits in his first victory since June 30 at Boston. The 6-foot-4 right-hander has a 1.73 ERA in his last 11 starts, holding opponents to a .162 batting average.

The Cubs won three of four in a matchup of last-place teams. The Rockies have lost four of five and 11 of 15 overall.

Pedro Hernandez (0-1) allowed three runs and six hits in 5 2-3 innings in his first start for Colorado.

Chicago scored three times in the sixth despite getting one ball out of the infield the entire inning.

Arismendy Alcantara sparked the rally with a leadoff smash down the third-base line that Nolan Arenado was unable to handle cleanly. Chris Coghlan then singled off the glove of first baseman Justin Morneau, putting runners on first and second.

Hernandez then walked Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro to force in a run. Justin Ruggiano added a sacrifice fly and Luis Valbuena drove in Rizzo with a grounder to shortstop.

Nolan Arenado's RBI double cut Chicago's lead to 3-1 in the seventh, but that was it for the Rockies.

Hector Rondon got three outs for his 14th save in 17 opportunities. He retired three straight after Arenado and Justin Morneau singled to start the ninth.